Indian restaurant in Seodaemun: chicken biryani for first-timers, Ama

What is Ama Myeongji University branch like?

Ama Myeongji University branch is an Indian restaurant in front of Myeongji University in Seodaemun, Seoul, where you can enjoy authentic Indian food in a setting that feels like India itself. I was out in Seoul for a weekend and had never tried Indian food, so out of curiosity I stopped in for a meal.

I already love curry and naan, so when I heard it was a great Indian restaurant, how could I not go?! It was my first time too, but I enjoyed it without any trouble.

• Address: 43 Geobukgol-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
• Hours: daily 11:00–22:00
• Parking: nearby public parking lot
• Getting there: 2nd floor across from the Starbucks in front of Myeongji University, within walking distance of the university
• Facilities: groups, takeout, delivery and reservations available / Wi-Fi / separate men's and women's restrooms

Ama's exterior and entrance

Ama is on the 2nd floor of the building, and the Indian vibe starts from the staircase up. It didn't feel like an ordinary restaurant but like I was traveling abroad, which got me quietly excited. I never expected to find a place like this in front of Myeongji University.

The entrance was neat and, as a newly opened place, everything felt clean. I also spotted the words "unlimited refills" out front, which put me in an even better mood. And the great-value prices suited me perfectly!

What are the interior and seating like?

Inside, soft Indian music plays and the walls are decorated with Indian ornaments and photos. It really felt like sitting in a restaurant in India. The tables are spaced generously so it didn't feel cramped, and it looked fine for group gatherings or family meals.

I took photos out front too. Since I can't go to India again... this will have to do, right?

Each table is separated by partitions, so you can have some privacy, and sitting by the window gives a different mood again. Curry is a dish everyone loves, kids and adults alike.

Have you ever seen a place with such a unique atmosphere? It feels so strongly Indian. There are plenty of tables too, so it can hold a big group.

What should you order at Ama if it's your first time with Indian food?

If Indian food is new to you, the chicken makhani (₩12,000) that the Ama owner recommended is a safe pick. They say it's the most ordered curry in the shop, one nobody dislikes. The staff were really kind, so even someone who doesn't know the menu can ask for recommendations without pressure. There are so many kinds of curry, and since I had no idea about the flavors I was just going to point at something, but the owner steered me to a crowd-pleasing one!

The menu is wide: curries alone come in many varieties, plus naan, rice, chicken, samosas, biryani, chow mein and more. When you order, three kinds of pickles come as side dishes, and the pickles and jalapeños cut right through the richness. They go together so well.

Aren't the plates unusual? Is this what Indian style is like? Even the plate holding the side dishes was different, which made it all the more fun. I was so curious about the dishes I'd ordered, too.

The plates on the yellow table have such a vibe, don't they? Perfect for photos too. The colorful tableware goes together so nicely!

Keeping the curry warm to the end: a candle warmer

Ama provides a candle to keep your curry warm while you eat. Little touches like this are so nice. The curry looked really appetizing too, and just looking at it you could tell it was rich.

How do the chicken makhani, garlic naan and turmeric rice taste?

What came with the chicken makhani was naan, and I chose garlic naan. There are many kinds of naan, so you can order to your taste.

The fluffy turmeric rice was great too. If you order the set menu, naan and turmeric rice are unlimited refills, so it makes for a really good-value meal.

And when I dunked the garlic naan deep in the curry, the curry's own flavor came with a gentle sweetness that was easy and delicious. The first thing I tried was the chicken makhani. The color of the curry alone looked so appetizing!!

The chicken makhani blends buttery smoothness with the mild tang of tomato, and I was happy from the very first bite. People tend to assume Indian curry will be heavily spiced, but the makhani isn't overspiced and has a soft flavor, so I think anyone can enjoy it.

Big pieces of chicken are generously packed in, which made eating it fun. The meat was moist and tender and went really well with the curry. It's good with turmeric rice too, and when you scoop it up with garlic naan, you immediately understand why it's called the classic Indian combination.

Tips for visiting Ama

• If it's your first visit, I recommend the chicken makhani.
• Be sure to order garlic naan with it.
• Biryani has a charm different from ordinary fried rice, so definitely give it a try.
• If you come with several people, ordering a variety of curries and sharing is a good idea too.
• If value matters to you, the set for 2 (unlimited naan and rice) is a good choice. If your group is big or you like unlimited refills, try the set.

What does the chicken biryani taste like?

The chicken biryani was the most memorable dish of this visit to Ama. It's an Indian-style rice dish cooked with spices, and it turned out to be completely different from ordinary fried rice. I worried at first that the aroma would be strong, but it was much easier to eat than I expected.

The rice grains were fluffy, and the spice aroma spread subtly, so I kept reaching for more. The chicken was generous, moist and tender, and went really well with the rice.

As you eat, the spice flavor fills your mouth, but it's not overwhelming at all and is actually addictive. It had a charm totally different from Korean fried rice!!! I think even people trying Indian food for the first time can enjoy it, haha.

Verdict: Ama for Indian food beginners

Ama was a place where even people who thought Indian food was intimidating can eat comfortably. The interior captures the local atmosphere, the service is friendly, and above all the food quality really satisfied me.

The mellow richness of the chicken makhani, the chew of the garlic naan, the plainness of the turmeric rice and the deep spice of the chicken biryani each have a clear appeal, so you can enjoy it right to the end! If you're looking for a different kind of meal near Myeongji University, or want to try proper Indian food in Seoul, I think it's worth a visit.

So, are you team garlic naan or team turmeric rice? 😊